Making the most of Port Moresby
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth close to the town centre.
Port Moresby is the nation's capital and the nerve centre of government and commerce. It is also a microcosm of Papua New Guinea, serving about 200,000 people, including a large non-citizen population, while reflecting 800 distinct languages and cultures.
Moresby shifts between commercial bustle and the calm of a country town. Nostalgic downtown Moresby lies beside the water, with narrow roads and historic street signs. Lolorua and Fishermens' Island sit at the entrance to Fairfax harbour and are favourite picnic destinations for sailors. Paga Point provides beautiful views over Ela Beach and Koki Bay.
Alongside the metropolis stands partly stilt-built Hanuabada Village, home to Moresby's traditional Motuan landowners. Burnt after WW2, the large village was rebuilt by the Australian Administration. Cosmetic alterations have not removed its character, and it is famous for elaborate, expensive bridal ceremonies.
Koki market on the waterfront is a favourite place to trade seafood delivered daily by local fishermen. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables are also sold here.
Dress in Moresby is pleasantly informal: men wear casual clothing and open-neck shirts throughout the year, alongside traditional garments such as rami, sulus, laplaps and kolos.
The National Parliament's modern architecture contrasts with the dignified traditional design of The National Museum and Art Gallery, blending the new with the old.
The National Museum and Art Gallery is well worth visiting. Its first permanent display of local cultural artefacts opened in late 1978. The museum stands on the slopes of Independence Hill at Waigani and opens on weekdays and Sunday afternoons.
If you are fortunate enough to visit Moresby during September's Hiri Moale Festival, join celebrations commemorating historic trade between villages around Gulf Province and the capital. Events include canoe races, processions, choirs, string bands, sing-sings and the Hiri Queen contest.
Getting around
Independent sightseeing in Port Moresby is not recommended. The country's mountains and forests are breathtaking, but it is NOT safe.
Papua New Guinea is an unusual place for travel. Tropical conditions, fierce geography and limited government capacity leave the country with very few paved roads. Apart from a short road into the immediate hinterland, no major route connects Port Moresby with another city. On the north coast, a tenuous highway theoretically links Madang and Wewak.
Money
The currency is the kina (PGK).
Staying connected
Papua New Guinea recognises English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu as its official languages.